This week in Island history

The news of 10 and 15 years ago is from theJamestown Press. The news of 25, 50, 75, and 100 yearsago from the Newport Daily News comes from the collectionof the Newport Historical Society.

100 years agoFrom the Newport Daily News, August 2, 1906:

(advertisement) Battleship Division of North Atlantic Squadron, consisting of the eight greatest battleships in the U. S. Navy, now lies off Jamestown. To see it take Steamer CONANICUT Half After Every Hour From foot of Mill St. Fare 10 cents

From the Newport Daily News, August 4, 1906:

On former occasions, when several ships of the navy have anchored off the Jamestown shore, it has been the practice of the commanding officer to send large detachments of sailors and marines ashore for land drill, making an interesting and pretty sight for visitors to the island. As there is no public place suitable or large enough on the island for the requirements of the present fleet assembled in the harbor, Mr. A.D. O'Taylor has been in communication with Admiral Evans offering him the use of a large tract of land at Potter's Point for drilling and has received a reply accepting the offer.

75 years agoFrom the Newport Daily News, August 4, 1931:

"The Fresh Air Fund" children who have been enjoying the hospitality in several Jamestown homes, for the past two weeks, left for their homes this morning on the 11 o'clock boat.

50 years agoFrom the Newport Daily News, July 31, 1956:

Amendments to the zoning and building ordinances, as prepared by attorneys for the Commerce Oil Refining Corp., will be aired at a Jamestown public hearing Aug. 28, Town Council decided at a special meeting last night.

Frederick Smyth of Friendship Street was elected chief of police of Jamestown last night.

From the Newport Daily News, August 1, 1956:

Capt. John A. Glick, chief of staff of the Naval District, today said the Navy has objections to the construction of a 30 million oil refinery at Jamestown, R.I., "on the basis of what it knows abut the proposed plan."

From the Newport Daily News, August 4, 1956:

The Jamestown police headquarters located in the Town Hall the past year has once more been established at the north room of the Recreation Center. An outside telephone bell has been installed so that it can be heard on the ferry wharf.

25 years agoFrom the Newport Daily News, August 2, 1981:

One hundred swimmers made the two and a half miles across Narragansett Bay on Saturday in the fifth annual swim sponsored by Save the Bay.

The Jamestown Water Resources Board has called for a study of the town's water supply. The Board Tuesday asked the Town Council to enter into an agreement with the consulting engineering firm of Hazen and Sawyer Inc. of New York state for the study. The cost of the study was estimated at $4,000 to $5,000.

15 years ago

From the Jamestown Press, August 1, 1991:

Town Council President Sandra Brasil wants to take a "strong stance," which may include going to court, in order to ensure that the design of the new bridge-connector road the state Department of Transportation intends to build is "what's best" for island residents. . . . (Nick) Roberston said that from what he had heard most people favored the route the proposed highway takes, which runs parallel and to the west of East Shore Road. Most people also favor a four-lane road, share a concern for safety, and want access to the north and south sides of the Jamestown Shores.

10 years agoFrom the Jamestown Press, August 1, 1996:

The Jamestown Striper Club's annual fishing derby at North Pond reservoir Saturday was held under beautiful skies. The kids were out in force, and most caught fish. It didn't matter if it was a sunfish, a perch, or a bass, it was nice to see everyone having so much fun, and since the derby was a catch-and-release, it teaches kids good conservation practices, so the fish will be there the next time they want to go fishing.

The Island Moving Company, a Newport dance company with many island members, held its first Jamestown performance this past Saturday evening. . . . Over 300 people attended the dance performance (at Horsehead).